DFAT denies using aid money for UNSC bid

Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs has rejected suggestions aid money has been used to bolster Canberra's bid for a United Nations Security Council seat.

The Australian Greens Senator Lee Rhiannon quizzed DFAT's Gillian Bird at a Senate estimates hearing, asking her why aid to Latin America had increased to $168 million even though the Independent Review of Aid Effectiveness recommended it be phased out.

"How do you respond to the criticism that aid dollars have been allocated to possibly win votes for the ballot for a seat in the Security Council?" she asked.

Ms Bird denied the allegations, saying increase to the aid budget "predated the campaign" and was directed towards meeting the Millenium Development Goals.

Australia's Foreign Minister Bob Carr says he remains in the dark about the extent of international support for Australia's bid before the vote on Friday morning.

Five non-permanent seats are up for grabs in Friday's vote, with Australia fighting it out in the West European and Others group against Luxembourg and Finland.

Senator Carr says he expects it will be a tight contest.

"Not for a moment do I delude myself or want to kid Australians that this is a pushover," Mr Carr said.

"It is always hard for Australia in international ballots, whether its going to host the world cup or the Olympics.